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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: Fruit (10/10/05)
Pastor Ken was disappointed in the way some of his congregants had been behaving lately. The spirit of division had definitely come into this little church body. He noticed that the only time he saw outward love for one another was during the Christmas season.

To tell the truth, the pastor was more disappointed with himself. All his preaching and teaching obviously was not making much of a difference in the lives of his flock. The backbiting and gossiping that went on was terrible. He had heard of many indiscretions among the church members, some of who were on the deacon board.

Pastor Ken was at a lost as to what to do. He decided the best thing would be to pray and seek God about it. The next week when he delivered his Sunday message he entitled it, “Who’s Fruit Are You?” The congregation looked at him expectantly. He began by showing them an illustration of a tree. The tree had many branches and many blossoms. He explained that the branches were big and healthy and on them were blossoms that were going to produce fruit. But the branch could do nothing of itself. The tree’s roots held the life of the branch, which in turn held the life of the blossom. Whatever the blossom produces, its source was still the tree.

The pastor went on to explain, that as Christians we are like the branches in the illustration. God is our source or root system and we are in Him and He in us. Our fruit should be what He produces. According to Galatians 5:22-23 (NKJV), what he produces is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. If we are producing strife, hatefulness, selfishness, unhappiness and not exercising patience, can our root system be of God? So, “Who’s Fruit Are You?” Pastor Ken asked again.

The church was very quiet as Pastor Ken offered an invitation. “I invite anyone who knows in their hearts that the fruit they have been producing is not the fruit of the spirit, but if it is your desire to be more like Jesus, come forth now and let me pray with you.” One by one the entire church came forth and rededicated their lives to the Lord.
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Member Comments
Member
Date
Phyllis Inniss 
10/18/05
This is a good illustation of how an intuitive Pastor recognizes what is wrong with his parishioners and and is willing to do something about it. May I point out though the following: 'whose fruit'. 'some of whom' and 'at a loss'. Thanks for sharing.
terri tiffany
10/19/05
Good message! I might suggest dropping a few unnecessary words here and there and tightening up the sentences some.
Betsy Tacchella
02/09/06
Great article with a powerful punch. It reminded me of a book I read by Ted Haggard, "The Life Giving Church," an excellent read. Your pastor would love it.